“With absolute love and respect we decided to separate as a couple earlier this year. To give our family the best opportunity to adjust, we wanted to keep this a private matter before sharing it with the public. We are and will always be united in our support of each other and our family,” it read.

Duhamel, 44, and theDutchessof pop, 42, began dating in 2004 before tying the knot in 2009. They welcomed their son in August 2013 and celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary in January of this year.